Massage Parlor Reopens Under New Management

June 22, 1985|The Morning Call

The embattled East Allen Township health and massage facility where Close Encounters Unlimited Leisure Club operated has reopened, apparently under new management.

However, the circumstances of the reopening of the facility are not completely clear, as initial owner Dallas Ray Vavra is complaining that the new management is using his facility and equipment without his consent.

Landlord Arun Mathur said Thursday that Close Encounters was closed, and that "I'm working on a lease for another customer."

The club, which gained notoriety last year for its so-called "full-body massages," was padlocked June 4 in a dispute over Vavra's obtaining $1 million in insurance.

Township Supervisor Isabelle French said yesterday it is her understanding that the current operators received a conditional certificate of occupancy.

"It is my understanding that they were within their legal right," French added.

A desk person at the club confirmed that the business was open, but repeated attempts to speak to a manager were unsuccessful, as were attempts to reach the township solicitor.

French also said she believes the club is not performing "full-body" massages, but the kind of massages one might receive at a YMCA.

Vavra, however, is contending that the new management is using his equipment. He said he has not been at the facility on Airport Road since June 5. In addition, Vavra said he has not signed any agreement releasing him from his lease of the club.

Lawyers for Vavra and Mathur were working for about two weeks for a negotiated settlement that would free Vavra from the balance of his lease agreement. Vavra said he would leave the township if he could get back his security deposit, equipment and other costs.